Spain v France

Pool A

Match Review

Spain – France 4-2 (3-0 halftime)

Spain had a relatively easy challenge on its first day of action at the Rabobank Hockey World League Semi-Final, dispatching France in a 4-2 decision. The French did their best to stage a comeback late in the game, but the bid fell short as the Spanish were simply too strong.

Spain made easy work of the French during a four minute span that saw them pour in three goals. David Alegre got things rolling in the 18th minute when he put the ball right between the legs of French goalkeeper Martin Zylbermann. Xavi Lleonart and Andres Mir followed up with back-to-back penalty corner goals to pull the Spanish out to the commanding 3-0 lead.

Viktor Lockwood cut into the lead for the French in the 51st minute, but before anyone could say ‘Viva la France’ the Spanish had erased his efforts when Roc Oliva found the back of the goal less than a minute later. The French had the last word five minutes later when Hugo Genestet gave the French hope by cutting the lead to 4-2 with 14 minutes left, but ultimately the French ran out of time and gas in their comeback bid and fell, 4-2.

Both teams have tall orders ahead of them tomorrow as the French will take on Belgium and Spain will meet Australia.

n the 51st minute, but before anyone could say ‘Viva la France’ the Spanish had erased his efforts when Roc Oliva found the back of the goal less than a minute later. The French had the last word five minutes later when Hugo Genestet gave the French hope by cutting the lead to 4-2 with 14 minutes left, but ultimately the French ran out of time and gas in their comeback bid and fell, 4-2.

Both teams have tall orders ahead of them tomorrow as the French will take on Belgium and Spain will meet Australia.